In our last episode, we saw that consistency is the missing link between knowing God and experiencing Him. But that raises a deeper question—how does that consistency connect to the will of God for your life? Discover why God’s will is not something you stumble into—but something you step into through consistency, willingness, and wholehearted pursuit. In this week’s podcast, we unpack how consistent obedience to God’s Word leads to real, experiential knowledge of Him and positions you to walk in His divine plan. You’ll learn why the will of God requires an all-in response, how compromise and mixture can derail your direction, and what it truly means to seek God with your whole heart. If you’ve ever wondered how to find God’s will for your life, this teaching will challenge you to move beyond hesitation and into decisive obedience. God’s plan is not hidden—it is revealed to those who are willing and who seek Him with everything. The Great and Hidden Importance of Africa in God’s Will, that’s our focus on this week’s Light on Life.

This Week: God’s will isn’t something you find by waiting—it’s something you step into through willingness, consistency, and all-in obedience.

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Accept the Challenge

Each week’s podcast contains a call to action. The Word of God will not produce in your life unless you put into operation.
This weeks call is:

Decide. Align. Step Forward.

Decide today that you will be willing to do whatever God asks before you know what it is.

Align your life with His Word through consistent, focused obedience. Take one step forward this week in response to what God has already shown you.

You don’t stumble into God’s will—you step into it.

Join the Conversation

Each week’s podcast also contains a question designed to encourage testimony. Testimony is vital to a believers life. We overcome by it (Rev. 12:11).

This week’s question is:

Question: What is one area in your life where God may be asking for a greater level of willingness?

Share: Take a moment to reflect honestly—are you waiting for clarity before committing, or are you willing before you know?

Remember: God’s will becomes clear to those who pursue Him with their whole heart.

About Emery

Emery committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ over 49 years ago and has served as both a full-time pastor and an itinerant minister. Both he and his wife Sharon of 44 years emphasize personal growth and development through the Word of God. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is both the focus and the hallmark of their mission. Read more about them here.

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Podcast Notes:

• Well again, welcome.
• Let’s pray.

Father God, thank you for allowing us to become part of your plan to bring Jesus back. Help us today to know and execute your plan—your perfect plan. Help us to understand our part in it. We thank you and we give You all the praise, glory, and honor for everything that’s done in Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

When Consistency Meets God’s Will

• In our last episode, we saw that consistency is the missing link between knowing about God and truly experiencing Him.
• We saw from 1 John 2 that experiential knowledge of God doesn’t come from occasional moments—it comes from habitual, continual, consistent obedience to His Word.
• Not hearing the Word.
• Not agreeing with the Word.
• Doing the Word—consistently.
• Through Wuest’s expanded translation, we saw that walking with God is described as a life marked by ongoing, lived-out obedience
• That’s how knowledge becomes experience.
• We also saw that consistency compounds.
• One act of obedience doesn’t stay one act—it multiplies.
• Just like a seed produces a harvest, that kind of consistency produces real spiritual results over time.
• And Jesus made it clear: Faithfulness in little leads to much.
• But we also saw the danger of inconsistency through the life of King Asa.
• He started strong.
• Walked with God for decades.
• But he didn’t finish well.
• Why?
• Because consistency wasn’t maintained to the end.
• And that showed us something critical:
• Starting well isn’t enough—you must finish well.
• So here’s the unavoidable question:
• If consistency gets action from God… what happens when you aim that consistency at His will?
• Consistency doesn’t just produce results—it determines whether you ever walk in the will of God.

The Clash of Wills: God’s Will vs. the World’s Pull

• Let’s focus on the will of God.

1 John 2:15–17 (NASB 2020) — 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.

• There’s plenty of tension in these verses.
• Your life moves in one of two directions: the will of God— or the way of the world.
• The narrow-way in opposition to the broad-way.
• The way of eternal life against the way of lust which leads to death.
• The tension mounts if you are undecided about which way you will take.
• It starts with a decision to refuse compromise.
• The song writer said:

I have decided to follow Jesus — no turning back — no turning back.

• You have to love Wuest’s Translation here—it speaks volumes.

1 John 2:15–17 (WUESTNT) — 15 Stop considering the world precious with the result that you love it, and the things in the world. If anyone as a habit of life is considering the world precious and is therefore loving it, there does not exist the Father’s love [i.e., the love possessed by the Father] in him. Because everything which is in the world, the passionate desire of the flesh [the totally depraved nature], and the passionate desire of the eyes, and the insolent and empty assurance which trusts in the things that serve the creature life, is not from the Father as a source but is from the world as a source. And the world is being caused to pass away, and its passionate desire. But the one who keeps on habitually doing the will of God abides forever.

• When we are dealing in the arena of the will of God, we are talking about something that is pure and comes purposefully from heaven.
• It is not of this world.
• So you can’t follow both—you must choose.

When Mixture Corrupts the Will of God

• Be careful, then, about mixture.
• Mixture meaning a little bit of God and a little bit of the world.
• A lot of God’s thinking mixed with a bit of yours is still toxic.
• When you mix pollution together with purity you still end up with pollution.
• If you add a drop of poison into a glass of pure water, you don’t have mostly water—you have poisoned water.
• The water didn’t purify the poison.
• The poison corrupted the water.
• And with that thought here is the Illustration of the Day.

Constantine the Great — Faith Mixed with Power

• The Early Church began as a Word of God, Spirit-led, purity-driven way of life.
• For first three centuries, the church remained largely separate, and pure in its devotion.

2 Corinthians 11:3 (NASB 2020) — 3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

• Believers pressed for the mark.
• They ran relentlessly toward God’s goal with single-minded focus—continually, eagerly, and without looking back—stretching every part of your being to reach the finish line.
• The Way was a way of conviction with no compromise.
• Then came intense persecution under Diocletian in the early fourth century.
• Christianity looked like it might be wiped out.
• Then came the first Roman emperor to be converted, Constantine the Great.
• He saw the suffering.
• He saw the persecution.
• And he stepped in to help.
• He legalized Christianity (Edict of Milan, 313)
• He protected Jesus followers.
• He gave the church: resources, buildings, and influence.
• From the outside, it looked like a rescue.
• Jesus followers went from persecuted to preferred—and eventually became the state religion.
• And that’s where the change began.
• People began to “convert” to Jesus—for the benefits.
• Not because they wanted Jesus as Lord but because they wanted earthly benefits.
• When this type of thinking pervades, something evil gets mixed in.
• Faith was no longer just Spirit-led.
• It became political-system-supported.
• Devotion was no longer the pure reason.
• Power, position, and advantage became the motive.
• There was a mixture.
• We didn’t get a stronger church.
• We got a corrupted church.
• With Constantine, it looked like help—but the fruit revealed the source.
• When faith in God is mixed with faith in government—even with good intentions—it doesn’t strengthen the church… it corrupts it.
• God never authors confusion or corruption—those always trace back to the enemy.
• Mixture always produces a mess.
• That’s not the Jesus life: it’s a life of uncompromising dependence.
• When you mix pollution with purity, you don’t get balance—you get pollution.
• If you allow mixture, you won’t stay in the will of God—you’ll drift from it.

The Will of God: Shaping the Future and Your Part in It

• So, the passage we read initially says: He that does the will of God abides forever.
• What is this thing called the ‘will of God?’
• The Greek word for ‘will’ here is the word thelēma and it speaks of what is willed or desired.
• The will of God is God’s desire for your life.
• Divine power is planned, prepared, and loaded towards the fulfillment of this desire.
• Fulfilling this desire has future impact.
• Everything in the future is moving towards Jesus’ Second Coming.
• The will of God for your life is a piece of this future.
• Everything funnels into the Millennial Reign of Jesus.
• You have been given a part in God’s plan.
• All of this takes us to the Definition of the Day.

The will of God is God’s deliberate purpose that defines the future He intends—and the life you must live to take part in it.

• God’s will isn’t something you guess at.
• It’s something you line your life up with.
• Don’t think that God is just bossing you around because He can.
• No, God is using you to set His table.
• Now, here’s where you take the next step.
• The Word of God is the will of God revealed in print.
• The Bible reveals God’s general will—His ways, His character, His standards that point toward this prophetic future.

Revelation 21:1–4 (NASB 2020) — 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

• Now, God’s specific plan for your life—your part of the new heaven and earth is not laid out for you between Genesis and Revelation.
• You won’t find your specific assignment printed on the pages of God’s book, the Holy Bible.
• What you will find are principles that will lead you to it if you seek Him.
• And if you follow them, God will show you your part.

The First Principle for Finding God’s Will: You Must Be Willing

• The first principle for finding God’s will is that you must be willing.
• Saying it another way: when it comes to your life, you must have no mind of your own.

John 7:17 (NASB 2020) — 17 If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is of God, or I am speaking from Myself.

• Note eleven most important words: If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know.

John 5:30 (NASB 2020) — “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

• Even Jesus lived this way.
• He did not seek His own will.
• He sought the Father’s will—only.
• No independent agenda.
• No personal override.
• Total submission.
• If the Son of God Himself did not operate on His own will—what makes us think we can?
• That means the first step into God’s will is not information—it is surrender.
• If you want to know His will, you must be willing to do it first.
• This is simple—when do you know?
• Answer: after you show you’re willing.
• So many mix up the order.
• They want to know it first and then decide if they want to do it.
• Like most things that source from the wisdom of the world—this is backwards.
• God’s will is not hidden—it is revealed to those who are committed.
• Many live and die and never find out what God’s will is.
• The graveyards are full of men and women who would have—could have—and should have—but didn’t.
• So let’s bring this down to where it really matters.
• Let’s make it real.
• What if God asked you to go to Africa?
• Not think about it.
• Not pray about it for six months.
• Not run it by ten people.
• Go.
• Leave what’s comfortable.
• Leave what’s familiar.
• Leave what you had planned.
• Would you do it?
• Many years ago this question dogged my tracks.
• I couldn’t shake it.
• It seemed like God was asking me to go to Africa.
• I couldn’t see how I could make it supporting my wife and four small children.
• Days turned into weeks and months of calculating.
• But I couldn’t see the way.
• Finally, one day this reality dawned on me [I’m sure it was the Holy Spirit helping me].

I don’t know how I would make it going to Africa but the Greater One is in me and—He knows the answer.

• With that realization in tow, I told the Lord, ’Yes, I will go.’
• Immediately, the Spirit of God spoke up in me and said…

I don’t want you to go but I want you to be willing to go.

• Every Jesus follower needs to confront and answer the Africa question.
• Now understand this—when I say “Africa,” I’m not just talking about a place on the map.
• Africa represents something.
• It represents the thing God asks you to do that you would not naturally choose.
• It may be Africa.
• It may be China.
• It may be another city.
• It may be a ministry assignment you didn’t ask for.
• It may be your own neighborhood.
• It may be a conversation you’ve been avoiding.
• It may be a step of obedience that disrupts your plans.
• “Africa” is whatever God puts His finger on in your life and says—go.
• The question is not where.
• The question is—will you?
• What will your answer be?
• Because your answer to that question reveals something.
• It reveals whether you want God’s will… or whether you want your version of it.
• It reveals whether you are truly submitted… or selectively obedient.
• It reveals whether Jesus is Lord in reality— or just Lord in language.
• God’s will only becomes real in your life when it becomes personal.
• And when it becomes personal, it will require something of you.
• It will stretch you.
• It will challenge you.
• It will take you beyond what you would naturally choose.
• Unless you are willing, nothing of great future and eternal value will come from your life.
• Are you willing to do whatever He asks you to do?
• Not what fits your plan.
• Not what feels comfortable.
• Whatever God asks.
• How are you going to respond when His will becomes personal?
• Because at some point, God’s will won’t be general anymore.
• It will be personal.
• And when it is—what will your answer be?
• Before you know what it is?
• That’s the question that determines whether you ever walk in the will of God.

The Second Principle for Finding God’s Will: Searching With Your All

Jeremiah 29:11–13 (NASB 2020) — 11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

• These verses refer specifically to Israel going into exile in Babylon because of their refusal to let go of idolatry.
• The Lord told them that when Israel was in the midst of that, if they would call upon Him, He would hear.
• How merciful is our God!
• Generally, we could apply these verses to knowing God’s will because they involve some similar principles.
• First, God knows the plans because He has a plan.
• Second—calling upon Him in prayer gains an audience.
• In our New Testament Covenant, that audience was gained by the precious Blood of Jesus.
• Third—you find Him when you search for Him with your all.
• In other words, you find the will of God when you search for it with all your heart.
• Throughout Scripture, God’s commands carry urgency, swiftness, and an all-in response.
• Said the Psalmist…

Psalm 119:60 (NASB 2020) — 60 I hurried and did not delay To keep Your commandments.

• Said the wiseman…

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NASB 2020) — 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

• Urgency is a spiritual virtue.
• The demand for total commitment appears throughout the Bible.
• Said the prophet of God…

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NASB 2020) — 5 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

• In like manner, said the apostle to the Gentiles.

Romans 12:11 (NASB 2020) — 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

• Most of all said the Lord Jesus Christ…

Luke 9:59–60 (NASB 2020) — 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.”60 But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.”

• It’s urgent that we proclaim the gospel.
• Men are dying every hour without Jesus.
• If we hesitate, those we might reach will die and be doomed—the hour is urgent.¹
• Again and again you will find this sense of being all in.
• So it’s no surprise that we are to seek the will of God with an ‘all-in attitude.’
• You see this clearly on display in Proverbs two.

Proverbs 2:3–6 (NASB 2020) — 3 For if you cry out for insight, And raise your voice for understanding; 4 If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; 5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

• Cry out for insight.
• The language of crying conveys both an attitude of supplication and urgency as the seeker considers what must be done in order to obtain wisdom.
• Cry out to know the will of God.
• Refuse distraction.
• Distraction is the enemy of urgency.
• Raise your voice in prayer to understand what God’s will is for your life.
• Seek it as you would finances to pay your bills.
• That’s when God begins to make His plan clear.

God’s Will Must Be The Priority

• Understand this—God’s will is not fully discovered until you seek Him unreservedly.
• It must become the priority.
• His will is not found by those who casually glance at His Word.
• It is not revealed to those who pray once in a while.
• It is uncovered by those who pursue God with pure devotion.
• You don’t accidentally fall into the will of God.
• You don’t stumble over it like you trip over something in the street.
• No—you press into it.
• With force.
• With intensity.
• Yes, even with violence.

Matthew 11:12 (NASB 2020) — 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been treated violently, and violent men take it by force.

• That’s how you seek God.
• With focus.
• With urgency.
• With persistence.
• And when you seek Him that way—
• not halfway
• not occasionally
• but with your whole life engaged—
• God responds.
• He gives direction.
• He gives clarity.
• He gives understanding.
• Because God is not hiding His will from you—
• He is revealing it to those who are serious enough to seek Him.
• And if you seek Him that way—you will find it.

The Will of God: Where It Gets Real

• This is where it gets real—where you decide what you’re going to do with the will of God.
• ‘Where do I start?’ you may ask.
• This is where the question, “Am I willing to do whatever God asks me?” stops being a concept—and becomes a decision.
• Are you actually pursuing the will of God—or just living your life and hoping He fits into it?
• Examine your heart honestly: Have I truly been willing?
• If you haven’t, that’s your first step.
• Get the Africa question settled.
• Then take another step—examine your life.
• Are there areas where you are not all-in?
• Is it time in the Word?
• Focused prayer?
• Or are you not obeying something God has already shown you?
• Refuse everything that pulls you away from being all-in.
• Align your life with His Word.
• Pursue Him with urgency—because those who seek Him find Him.
• In the end—you will either pursue the will of God, or you won’t.
• Because the issue isn’t that God doesn’t have a plan.
• And it’s not that the harvest isn’t ready.
• The issue is—there aren’t enough people willing to step into it.
• Jesus said it plainly.

Matthew 9:37–38 (NASB 2020) — 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

• God’s will isn’t hidden from you—but it won’t be handed to you either.
• You step into it—or you stay out of it.
• If this message challenged you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it share it with someone who is seeking direction in their life.
• And don’t forget to subscribe to Light on Life so you never miss an episode that strengthens your walk with God.
• For more teachings and resources, visit EmeryHorvath.com—and stay anchored in His Word as you pursue His will.
• Now, if you have not made Jesus the Lord of your life and you would like to, bow your head and pray this prayer after me.

Father God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. Your Word says that if I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ, is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, that He was raised from the dead and, if I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, I will be saved. Right now, I do that. I turn from my sin, and I receive Your forgiveness. I give You my life— my heart, my will, my future. I confess Jesus is My Lord. Fill me with Your Spirit, and teach me to walk in Your Word. Thank You for saving me. Thank You that I am now a child of God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

• If you prayed that prayer, let us know, send us an email so that we can help you get established in God.
• The Great and Hidden Importance of Africa in God’s Will.
• You guys have a great God week and we will see you next time for another edition of Light on Life.

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